Author Archives: dave

Psalm 61

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In the midst of this week of prayer and fasting that we’re taking part in as a church, let these words of the psalmist David be an encouragement to you as you pray.

Psalm 61
To the Chief Musician. On a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David.

1  Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
2  From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3  For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
4  I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.  Selah

5  For You, O God, have heard my vows;
You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
6  You will prolong the king’s life,
His years as many generations.
7  He shall abide before God forever.
Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!

8  So I will sing praise to Your name forever,
That I may daily perform my vows.

A French View of Scripture

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I’m not very familiar with the French Confession of Faith, and I suspect I’m not alone.  Nonetheless, it apparently has some real gems within it.  For example:

We believe that the Word contained in these books [viz., the Bible] has proceeded from God, and receives its authority from Him alone, and not from men. And inasmuch as it is the rule of all truth, containing all that is necessary for the service of God and for our salvation, it is not lawful for men, nor even for angels, to add to it, to take away from it, or to change it. Whence it follows that no authority, whether of antiquity, or custom, or numbers, or human wisdom, or judgments, or proclamations, or edicts, or decrees, or councils, or visions, or miracles, should be opposed to these Holy Scriptures, but on the contrary, all things should be examined, regulated, and reformed according to them.”

… The French Confession of Faith, article V. [1559]

This was quoted in The Christian Quotation of the Day, which I invite you to check out for yourself.

Recognizing Jesus

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Jesus often appears to us under strange circumstances, conditions in which we do not expect to see Him.  At those times our immediate, unneccesary reaction can be fear.  Eventually, however, He makes Himself known to us, our fear subsides and all is well.  Consider the experience of the disciples in the boat:

Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” – John 6:19-21 (NKJV)

The trick in our situation is to remember that He is with us always (Matthew 28:20).  He’s just as much there when we don’t expect Him as when we do.  If we’d keep that in mind, the initial, unproductive response of fear would be lessened.  Our minds would be at ease; our hearts would be at peace. 

The next time the wind blows and the sea rises, and you wonder what happened to Jesus, remember that He is there.  He’ll soon say, “It is I; do not be afraid,” and you’ll immediately get where you’re going.